Has someone, your pastor, a priest or a deacon ever mentioned to you that they see you as a deacon?

Do you feel that God calling you to live your faith differently, perhaps as a deacon?

What holds you back? Do you think you are not worthy enough? Not ‘holy’ enough? You don’t have the time to make the commitment? Are you concerned what others may say or think? Are you wondering if other men think the way that you do, or have similar questions that you do?

An evening has been created to look at some of these questions and many more that you may have. Diaconate Discovery Evenings will be the space to wonder, explore, share and come to an understanding about these and any other questions that you may have regarding serving the Church as a Permanent Deacon.

The evenings will be held on the second Thursday of each month beginning in October of 2018 and are scheduled through September 2019. The Discovery Evenings will be a time for men to gather and:

Have a safe place to come together with other men of faith wondering if God is calling them to be a deacon.

To have an opportunity for prayer and reflection

To form relationships with other men of faith

To be affirmed in their current lay vocations—Not all men are called to become a deacon—it’s not a failure.

To provide consistent gatherings that allow men to come when they’d like to and not feel obligated to attend all gatherings

To share a part of their journey with other men and to listen to others stories.

Monthly rotating locations to create more opportunities for participation.

To answer their questions regarding diaconate and to educate men about Holy Orders

To meet deacons from around the diocese witness their ministries and journey of faith with men.

To build community.

To observe, notice and affirm men who wonder if they are called to serve as deacons and direct them when they are ready to take the next steps.

To create a consistent evening every month that is easy to plan for.

Rotate parish locations—chosen because Stephen is patron of deacons and both were among the first deacons of the Church.